Hot Topics:

Back to School: Mantle-perfect school portraits

By Amy Lorentzen, Associated Press

Posted:
07/16/2013 05:18:53 AM EDT

Updated:
07/18/2013 06:42:51 AM EDT

This 2013 publicity photo provided by Lifetouch School Photography shows a model posing for a school photo for the Fall 2013 season. School picture day can be a success with some easy tips from photographers. Most important, they say, is helping your child feel comfortable with having their portrait taken. That means being relaxed, and wearing appropriate clothes in solid colors or simple patterns.

This 2013 publicity photo provided by Lifetouch School Photography shows a model posing for a school photo for Fall 2013 season.

For many parents, there's something special about school picture day. They remember getting out of class, combing their hair, lining up with friends for their turn before the camera. Then there was the thrill of the portrait envelope arriving, of wallet photos handed out like tiny trading cards, or delivering prints to grandma to be placed on her mantle.

While that's still the case at many schools, today's kids, surrounded by photo technology, may not be fazed by another click of the camera, says Lisa Van Etta, who recently retired after 17 years as a yearbook adviser at Cypress Falls High School in Houston.

This 2013 publicity photo provided by Lifetouch School Photography shows a photographer taking a commercial picture of a model posing for a school photo for the Fall 2013 season.

"I just think they are so wrapped up in Facebook and texting and all of that that they just don't really have time to worry about their school picture," she says. "In rural areas, school pictures are still big. When you get in the city, not so much."

Still, school pictures provide a rare professional sitting and, if done well, provide a seamless look at a child's growth and personality over the years.

"Many people are taking thousands and thousands of pictures every year ... They don't realize how much of their memory is in something digital," says Steve Lata, a photographer and territory manager with Missouri-based Inter-State Studio Inc., which takes millions of children's school photos each year.

Advertisement

"The school portrait is one of the only things getting printed and hung on the wall anymore."

A few simple steps by parents can make picture day a success, the pros say.

Above all, help children be comfortable having their portrait taken. They should feel good about their appearance, but not pose.

"The most important thing about a school portrait is having that genuine countenance of the child. We don't want them to be artificial, we want them to be as relaxed as possible," says Kelvin Miller, corporate vice president of Minnesota-based LifeTouch School Photography.

Choose clothing in solid colors or simple patterns, and avoid shirts with slogans. Keep the accessories simple and small. Long sleeves will provide less visual distraction than short or sleeveless tops.

Clothing for portraits doesn't need to be formal. Even a favorite, oft-worn shirt can be perfect on picture day, Miller says. If possible, help your child choose an outfit that pleases both of you.

"Make it kind of a fun activity ... and be willing to compromise," he suggests.

As for grooming, the experts recommend haircuts two weeks before picture day. You'll have a nice-looking trim without that "just cut" look.

Welcome to your discussion forum: Click the login link below to sign in with or to set up a Disqus account or to access your social networking account. When you do, your comment should be posted immediately, provided it meets the guidelines. (What are the guidelines?.) Report abuse by flagging a comment (mouse over the comment). Comments made here are the sole responsibility of the person posting them; these comments do not reflect the opinion of The Berkshire Eagle. So keep it civil.

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story

Sufjan Stevens, "Carrie & Lowell" (Asthmatic Kitty) Plucked strings and pulsing keyboards dominate the distinctive arrangements on Sufjan Stevens' latest album, and in the absence of a rhythm section, they serve to keep time. Full Story